Saudi Arabia – Execution of Messaed Rouili (January 29, 2013)

France condemns the beheading on January 29 in Saudi Arabia of Messaed Rouili. With 7 executions since the beginning of 2013, Saudi Arabia is one of the 4 states with the highest death penalty rate in the world. These executions contradict the global trend toward the abolition of this inhuman punishment, the deterrent value of which has never been established.

France is campaigning for the universal abolition of the death penalty and intends to be at the forefront of this struggle. As Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed, France expresses its firm and constant opposition to the death penalty everywhere and under all circumstances. It again urges Saudi Arabia to put an end to the executions and to establish a moratorium.